Meet the Builder: Will Gardner, Battersea Builders
Battersea Builders is a London-based design-build firm offering everything from custom builds to renovations to extensions, and more. We caught up with founder Will Gardner to learn where he finds inspiration, what his clients are asking for and his favorite part of the design process.
What is Battersea Builders’ home design style? We deal with a vast range of properties from traditional to new build, so styles vary. However, the majority of our clients opt for contemporary designs with subtle accents in keeping with the history and architecture of their building. For example, an exposed original chimney breast with a modern fireplace in a Victorian house or polished concrete floors with floor to ceiling windows in a new build apartment.
What’s your favorite type of project? Why? Our favorite type of project is a full house renovation and refurbishment. I love seeing the transformation from the original space to a new, enlarged, beautiful home with a better use of flow and light. The natural flow in a home is paramount.
Where are some places where you’ve found design inspiration? A hotel in Amsterdam that I stayed at for a wedding. The use of light, space and the interiors were inspirational. The copper pipe towel rails and metro tiles are a style that I have used for clients since.
Also the Pig Hotel in Hampshire, where I took my wife for her birthday. They take a real root and brand approach to the design which creates a modern and stylish space with a real wow factor.
What are trends you are most excited about right now? Crittal windows and doors and micro cement flooring.
What are clients asking you for? Clients often ask for advice on interior styling as well as structural works. I am seeing a trend towards total space transformation – a move away from just updating one or two rooms/floors to creating a whole new concept for the home.
What is one of your designer tricks? Lighting – it is my passion. I believe that a space can be made with the right lighting.
You do so much for homeowners, what do you feel is the most important value you provide? Our project management. We handhold the clients through every step of the process as much or as little as they need.
If you were a home, what kind of home would you be? I would be a 1940’s Ibizan style villa overlooking the sea, with lots of light and a tranquil flow of space, clever use of storage and micro cement flooring to create a cool and calm interior.
What’s your favorite building or space in the world? The Sydney Opera House – the geometry is fascinating. I love how it contrasts with its surroundings but feels at one with nature though the segment shapes.
What’s your favorite room in your home? The kitchen. The house was built in 1897 and many of the original features remain. We have used a dark wood floor, complemented with soft colored cupboard units and finished with a Carrara marble worktop. We have a copper splashback and copper pendant light to give it a modern edge and have opened it up to flow seamlessly into the dining area. It is versatile yet authentic, welcoming and cozy.
What is your favorite part of the design process? Seeing the initial concepts coming to life at project completion, particularly where we have really maximized usable space.
What is your favorite part of Houzz? Photos. It is a community of excellence.
When you’re not designing, where can you be found? Taking the dog for a walk along the river or on the golf course.